In April and June 2009, two science-policy workshops were conducted for the SW Washington Littoral Drift Restoration Project to address:

• Mound-induced wave amplification and safety implications for small boat navigation; and
• Biological information needed to proceed with selecting nearshore beneficial use sites for sediment disposal.

The workshops were organized by the Lower Columbia Solutions Group (LCSG), Coastal Communities of Southwest Washington (CCSWW), Washington Department of Ecology (WDOE), and Columbia River Crab Fisherman’s Association (CRCFA).

Every year, approximately four million cubic yards of sand are dredged from the mouth of the Columbia River (MCR) to keep the shipping channels open. Over the past five years, approximately one-third of that sand has been taken to a deepwater disposal site. This removes sand from the nearshore zone, where it can sustain beaches, jetties, and marine habitat. The remainder is disposed in two shallower disposal sites. Some, though not all, of this sand stays in the nearshore system.  Through the Southwest Washington Littoral Drift Restoration Project, the workshop sponsors are seeking to establish new nearshore disposal sites that will serve as alternatives to deepwater disposal, help offset chronic shoreline erosion in the area, shore up the North Jetty, and supply sand to the Long Beach Peninsula.  The specific area of focus is the Southwest Washington littoral zone north of the MCR’s North Jetty, including Peacock Spit, Benson Beach, North Head, and areas to the north.

The overall goal was the same for both workshops — identification of beneficial use sites (alternative disposal sites) and methods for sediment placement that do not adversely impact habitat and small boat navigation and do not impose unreasonable costs.  The two workshops were organized to address specific aspects of information needed to be able to accomplish that goal.

Science-Policy Workshop Documents

2009 Science-Policy Workshops Report

Navigation Safety from the End User Perspective Presentation

Wave Measurement Methods Presentation

Benthic Invertabrates Presentation